Blue Spotted Ray UWC Guide
Starry Pufferfish UWC Guide
Diving Addict?
ADDICATED TO DIVING?
Whats This?
The Underwater Clicks quarterly update includes exclusive UWC dive trips, exciting new finds at top dive destinations, and subscriber-only offers and deals on gear and trips.
We protect your privacy you can also unsubscribe at anytime
Guide to Underwater Hand Signals
Andy December 22, 2024
Table of Contents
Learn Hand Signals FOr Diving
Here are the most common and important hand signals every diver should know
| Signal | Usage |
|---|---|
| OK | Indicates everything is fine. |
| Problem / Something Wrong | Signals an issue or discomfort. |
| Go Down / Descend | Signals to descend. |
| Ears Not Clearing | Indicates difficulty equalizing pressure. |
| Stop | Signals to stop immediately. |
| Low Air | Signals low air supply. |
| Out of Air | Indicates out of air. |
| Look / Watch Me | Draws attention. |
| Come Here | Signals someone to come closer. |
| Buddy Up | Indicates pairing up with your buddy. |
| Go Up / End Dive | Signals to ascend or end the dive. |
These signals ensure clarity and safety during dives. Practice them with your dive buddy before entering the water.
Learn Marine Life Hand SignS
Spotting marine life is one of the most exciting parts of diving. These hand signals mimic the appearance or behavior of various sea creatures, making them intuitive and easy to remember:
Spotting marine life is one of the most exciting parts of diving. These hand signals mimic the appearance or behavior of various sea creatures, making them intuitive and easy to remember:
| Marine Animal | Usage |
| Sea Turtle | Represents a turtle’s flippers. |
| Angelfish | Mimics an angel’s halo. |
| Baby / Juvenile | Indicates a juvenile or small size. |
| Barracuda | Mimics the shape of a barracuda. |
| Blue-Spotted Ray | Represents the pattern on the ray’s back. |
| Crab | Mimics a crab’s pincers. |
| Crocodilefish | Represents the fish’s elongated snout. |
| Dolphin | Simulates a dolphin’s movement. |
| Hammerhead | Mimics the hammerhead’s shape. |
| Jellyfish | Mimics a jellyfish’s tentacles. |
| Lionfish | Represents a lionfish’s spines. |
| Lobster | Mimics the lobster’s claws. |
| Manta Ray | Simulates a manta ray gliding. |
| Moray Eel | Mimics an eel’s open mouth. |
| Napoleon Wrasse | Indicates the fish’s humphead. |
| Nudibranch | Simulates a nudibranch’s rhinophores. |
| Octopus | Mimics octopus tentacles. |
| Pufferfish | Imitates a pufferfish inflating. |
| Scorpionfish | Mimics the spines of a scorpionfish. |
| Seahorse | Mimics riding a seahorse. |
| Shark | Resembles a shark’s dorsal fin. |
| Shrimp | Mimics the antennae of a shrimp. |
| Stonefish | Indicates a stonefish’s camouflaged body. |
| Triggerfish | Mimics the shape of a triggerfish. |
| Trumpetfish | Represents the fish’s elongated body. |
Using these signals enhances your ability to share underwater discoveries and identify marine creatures with your buddy.
Hand Signals for Underwater Photographers
Underwater photography adds another layer of complexity to communication. While planned photo shoots reduce the need for frequent signaling, there are times when spontaneous adjustments are necessary. Here are some tips and signals for underwater photographers:
Planned vs. Spontaneous Photo Opportunities
Planned Shoots: Discuss your dive objectives with your buddy before entering the water. For instance, if you want to capture a diver posing with a turtle or a shipwreck, outline the poses and positions in advance.
Spontaneous Opportunities: When unexpected photo opportunities arise, use efficient hand signals to direct your buddy or adjust your setup
Additional Tips for Photographers
Ethical Diving: Remind your buddy not to touch marine life or coral. Promote responsible photography practices.
Pre-Dive Briefing: Rehearse your planned signals and discuss contingencies.
Stay Patient: Allow your buddy to adjust naturally to the scene, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
Use Visual Cues: A dive torch can help highlight subjects or improve visibility during low-light dives.
Signals for Underwater PhotographY
Key Hand Signals for Photographers
| Signal | Usage |
| Look at Me | Draws attention to a subject. |
| Look Over There | Redirects focus. |
| Move Backward | Requests more distance. |
| Move Closer to Subject | Guides buddy closer for better framing. |
| Do Not Touch | Reminds buddy to avoid touching marine life. |
| Focus Here | Directs attention to a specific detail. |
| Ready | Confirms readiness for the photo. |
| Taking Picture | Synchronizes timing for a shot. |
| Got the Shot | Indicates the photo is taken. |
Learning Underwater Skills and Communication
Mastering underwater hand signals is part of learning to dive and the better you become at it the better your scuba diving experience. These gestures are essential for safety, collaboration, and making the most of your time underwater. Whether you’re navigating with your buddy, identifying marine life, or framing the perfect photograph, clear communication is the key to success.
Not a Scuba Diver Yet?
Ready to learn these skills and more? Dive into the PADI Open Water Course and learn to dive or take the Underwater Photography Specialty or Fish ID course. Every dive is a chance to expand your diving knowledge, learn skills and experience new adventures in diving!
